Man Accused Of Reckless Driving, Possession Of Drugs, Guns: WPD

WATSONVILLE, CA — A man is in custody after driving recklessly through Watsonville while in possession of a drug and firearms on Wednesday, according to police. At 12:23 p.m., officers spotted Jose Alvarez, 23, exhibiting impulsive driving behavior, including running red lights and making sharp, unsafe turns, in the area of Lincoln Street and Riverside Drive near Watsonville High School, police said.

Alvarez, a Watsonville resident, rapidly turned onto Blackburn Street and then Blackburn Court, parking his vehicle, and ran down a nearby driveway. Officers could not catch up to him, according to police. "Several citizens" helped in locating Alvarez, allowing officers to detain him, police said.

A search of the suspect's car made possible with the assistance of a California Highway Patrol K-9 revealed marijuana and two loaded firearms, one with a defaced serial number and the other one not registered in his
name, police said.

Alvarez was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number and reckless driving. He was taken to Santa Cruz County Jail. Anyone with information on the case should contact the investigation division of the Police Department at (831) 768-3350 or through
the Crime Tip Line at (831) 768-3544.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Watsonville Police Department